1 Ancient Israel Classic Tour│ 10 Days│Physical Level 1 Tel Aviv – Caesarea – Tiberias Sea of Galilee – Capernaum – Mount of Beatitudes – Safed – Qasar El Yahud – Jericho – Dead Sea – Kibbutz Kalia – Bethlehem – Jerusalem- Mount Zion - Josephat Valley – Garden of Gethsemane Our extensive tour of the Holy Land takes you through some of Israel's most famous cities and sites. Begin in cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, home to the bustling Mediterranean port district of Jaffa. Visit Roman ruins and mountain villages en route to the Sea of Galilee. Learn of the mystery surrounding the Dead Sea Scrolls before a cable car journey to Masada Fortress for panoramic views across the land. Stop in Bethlehem before a triumphant end to your tour in illustrious Jerusalem. • Discover Jaffa, a fascinating historical district of vibrant Tel Aviv • Tour the Roman ruins of Caesarea • Stay by the sleepy Sea of Galilee • Take a cable car up to magnificent Masada Fortress • Explore Jerusalem, New and Old • Enjoy authentic Shabbat dinner experience To book call 1300 727 998 or visit your local travel agent Visit wendywutours.com.au 2 Ancient Israel Tour Inclusions: ▪ Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges (unless a ‘land only' option is selected) ▪ All accommodation ▪ All meals ▪ All sightseeing and entrance fees ▪ All transportation and transfers ▪ English-speaking National Escort (if your group is 10 or more passengers) ▪ Visa fees for Australian passport holders ▪ Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants ▪ Comprehensive travel guides The only things you may have to pay for are personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional excursions or shows, insurance of any kind, tipping, early check- in or late check-out and other items not specified on the itinerary. Classic Tours: These tours are designed for those who wish to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures of the Middle East on an excellent value group tour travelling with like-minded people. The tours are on a fully inclusive basis so you will travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of. You will be accompanied by our dedicated and professional National Escort and local guides, whose unparalleled knowledge will turn your holiday into an unforgettable experience. Physical Level 1: All our tours feature a physical rating to help you select the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights. To book call 1300 727 998 or visit your local travel agent Visit wendywutours.com.au 3 ‘Ancient Israel’ is rated 1 on the physical level scale. A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps. Of course, our National Escorts and local guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary. If you require any more information about the pace of our tours, please contact our reservations team who will be happy to answer your questions. Country Profile: Israel Israel, the Holy Land to many, is a country of astounding antiquity, deep spirituality and striking contrast. Its heart and soul is ancient Jerusalem, a city that has played a pivotal role in thousands of years worth of history. Below a skyline sculpted by the architecture of the Muslims, Christians and Jews that covert it as a holy place, you’ll discover bustling streets where cultures converge, something that is particularly well demonstrated by the city’s fantastic food scene. Outside the city, Israel has plenty of astounding sights and relics – there’s the cosmopolitan seaside resort of Tel Aviv, sacred Bethlehem and the ancient port of Jaffa, to name a few, as well as famous natural wonders such as the Dead Sea. Whatever you look for in a holiday, from cultural to cuisine and adventure to relaxation, Israel is a magical destination to explore. Joining Your Tour The tour is 10 days in duration including international flights. Please note due to flight schedules passengers may arrive/depart on Day 2. Travellers booked on ‘Land Only, the price includes your arrival/ departure airport transfers if arriving/departing on the start and conclusion date of your tour. Please advise your international flight times to reservations. Join the tour on Day 2 in Tel Aviv and end the tour on Day 9 in Jerusalem. Please refer to your final itinerary for more specific meeting instructions pertaining to your departure. Itinerary Changes It is our intention to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, the order of events or sightseeing may change as we look to improve our tours or as local conditions dictate. In these circumstances we will make the best possible arrangements maintaining the integrity of your trip. To book call 1300 727 998 or visit your local travel agent Visit wendywutours.com.au Itinerary – Ancient Israel Days 1-2: Fly to Tel Aviv Fly to Tel Aviv, arriving the following day. On arrival, transfer to your hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. Destination Information Tel Aviv - This trendy Mediterranean port city is both ancient and cosmopolitan, boasting famous architecture, endless beaches, world- class cuisine and a collection of UNESCO-recognised buildings. There are many districts that make up Tel Aviv, including historic Jaffa, which you will visit on day 2. Days 3: Tel Aviv Explore the Jaffa district of Tel Aviv which contains the world's oldest active harbour. According to legend, Jonah reputedly stepped ashore here from the whale's mouth and Perseus circled the harbour atop of Pegasus, his winged horse. Continue to Caesarea to view the fascinating Roman ruins. After, visit the Druze Villages on the slopes of Mount Carmel. Visit the street bazaars and interact with the community before a local lunch. Drive to Mukhraga for a wonderful view of the Holy Land followed by a short visit to the Carmelite Monastery of St Elijah. Finish the day in Tiberias, on the shores of the famous Sea of Galilee. Destination Information Caesarea - This ancient Phoenician settlement was once ruled by Kind Herod the Great, under the patronage of the Roman Empire. Renamed to Caesarea after the Emperor Augustus Caesar, this city became the capital of the Roman province of Judaea and was also an important centre of Christianity. Caesarea is best known however for its harbour, after excavations in the 1970's and 1980's helped it claim international attention as a marvel of the ancient world. Tiberias - Built by Herod Antipas, son of Kind Herod the Great, the city was built during the 1st century BC and in similar fashion to Caesarea, was given its current name in tribute to the Roman Emperor Tiberius Caesar. Rich in archaeological remains, the 'City of Water' is known as one of Israel's four holy cities and 2,000 years was the last sea of the Sanhedrin (Supreme Court of Jewish law). To book call 1300 727 998 or visit your local travel agent Visit wendywutours.com.au Days 4: Sea of Galilee – Tabgha – Capernaum – Mount of Beatitudes - Safed Drive from Tiberias to Tabgha, the sites of the miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. Head to Capernaum to visit the Ancient Synagogue and House of St Peter. Continue to the Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount took place, followed by a stop at Safed, a hilltop town with a rich heritage of Jewish mysticism. Return to Tiberias this afternoon. Destination Information Tabgha - Apart from its bible miracle, this small area on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee has been known as a fishing hotspot for thousands of years. The nearby springs produce water that is warmer than the neighbouring sea which promotes algae growth, bringing many fish to the area. Safed - This small town is known for its charming network of winding cobblestone alleys that is home to artists' galleries, medieval synagogues and guesthouses. Days 5: Kibbutz – Qasar El Yahud – Quarantal Monastery – Dead Sea Head to Kibbutz Degania B, Israel's first Kibbutz. Tour the community and learn about the founding of the movement and its development from one of its members. After, drive through the scenic Jordan Valley to Qasr El Yahud - the original site of Jesus' baptism. Continue to Jericho for your cable car journey (both ways) to the Quarental Monastery on the Mount of Temptations, followed by a drive to the Dead Sea to float in the mineral-rich waters. After some leisure time, continue to Kibbutz Kalia where you spend the night. Destination Information Kibbutz Kalia B - One of Israel's many kibbutz, these are agricultural places of work where workers live together and share duties and income. Dead Sea - This landlocked salt lake is located in the Jordan Rift Valley and sits on the border between Jordan and Israel. At 304 metres deep, rain and surface water flows into the Dead Sea but apart from evaporation, the water has no escape. The continuous evaporation in combination with the high salt content means that for over 65,000 years, the salinity levels of the Dead Sea have been ever increasing. Many travellers come to bathe in these unique waters and the high salt content and mineral-rich mud are said to bring many health benefits To book call 1300 727 998 or visit your local travel agent Visit wendywutours.com.au Days 6: Masada – Qumran - Bethlehem After breakfast, travel to Masada where you will ascend by cable car (both ways) to the top of Masada Fortress, where apart from the wonderful view, you will learn of the last stand by Jewish rebels against the Romans.